Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island produced a moderately explosive eruption on Thursday morning, July 9, sending a dark gray ash plume two to three kilometers into the sky and dusting parts of Cebu with ash that forced local governments to suspend classes and government work.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said the eruption began at 7:33 a.m. and lasted about three minutes, ending at 7:36 a.m. based on seismic and infrasound records. The event was captured by the agency's Upper Pantao Observation Station in Canlaon City.
The eruption generated a dark gray plume that rose two to three kilometers above the summit crater before drifting east, PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol said. The agency also reported poorly visible pyroclastic density currents descending the volcano's southeastern slopes, traveling possibly within one kilometer of the summit crater.
PHIVOLCS logged 19 volcanic earthquakes and measured 2,454 metric tons of sulfur dioxide emissions in the 24-hour monitoring period leading up to the eruption.
Prevailing winds carried the ash eastward across the Tañon Strait, with ashfall reported in western Cebu towns directly facing Negros Island, including Toledo City, Pinamungajan, and Aloguinsan, as well as other parts of the province. The towering plume was visible from neighboring provinces, including Iloilo City and parts of Panay Island.
Several Cebu local government units suspended classes and, in some areas, government work as a precaution. Among those that ordered suspensions were Cebu City, Toledo City, Talisay City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Minglanilla, Consolacion, Aloguinsan, and Pinamungajan.
Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2, indicating increased volcanic unrest and the possibility of further sudden, hazardous eruptions. PHIVOLCS reiterated that entry into the four-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone around the crater is strictly prohibited due to the continuing threat of ballistic projectiles, rockfalls, ashfall, and pyroclastic density currents.
Authorities advised residents in ashfall-affected communities to stay indoors when possible, close windows and doors, cover water containers, and wear properly fitted face masks such as N95 respirators when going outside. Motorists were urged to drive with caution, as ash reduces visibility and makes roads slippery.
PHIVOLCS said it continues to closely monitor the volcano's seismic activity, sulfur dioxide emissions, and ground deformation for signs of further unrest.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)